55 Gallon Mbuna Build

This is a discussion on 55 Gallon Mbuna Build within the DIY Aquarium forums, part of the TFK Resources category; -->
Try the 3m spray adhesive on the foam, it will hold it all together good enough until you get the epoxy over the whole ...

I started over on the rock wall. Using contact cement I glued all the boards together creating three large blocks that I then carved. I took my time on this one and let it set for a day.

Once everything was carved up I mixed a sloppy batch of cement to do a scratch coat over the surface of all the pieces. Tools are handy... on larger projects, I just wore gloves and applied it all with my hands.

Next up, I'll mix a heavier batch and probably color it and add some sparkle for a heavier coat. Once it sets a little i'll carve it out and shape it. I have masonry sealant for when it's all done and dry.

I finished three versions of the rock wall and hated each incarnation. I really didn't like the materials or textures, or volume of the finished products. I may come back to this after I've gotten a larger tank and have done more research into available materials. For what I was wanting Styrofoam and cement just don't translate. Sooooo, I'm gonna do an amazon tank... after I've gotten finished removing a shelving built in from my office, repainting, and setting up a tanked wall. Whole other kind of project. I will be sure to update on that through.

Styrofoam can be a pain to work with, but one of the funnest and interesting ways to work with it is heat, by a heat gun or a soldering iron or a home made styrofoam cutter, just make sure to stay in a well ventilated place as the smoke coming from melting Styrofoam is toxic. As for the cement I guess its just one of those trial and error things, but let use know when you get it.

Now what? LOL I had just decided to do either a full on SE Asia Biotope thing or Brazillian.... Then I decided to get a second 55 and do one of each.... NOW... Back to choosing which one and convincing my husband that this will be fun! I think I might have assured him I'd get rid of a few other tanks to make room.
I'm leaning towards Brazillian....

The good news is I just bought 100 pounds of giant river rocks and have already located a really cool piece of drift wood.... Husband has happily volunteered(ish) to get it. I just have to locate a chainsaw.

I am not a giant fan of the stand. It's metal, looks like knife edge or angle iron stuff. Very simple but the weight of the entire tank (1000 pounds) will come down on 4 small posts. I don't like the way that weight will be distributed onto my hardwood floors and non slab foundation. I can either buy a better stand or build.... that'd require tools... It'd be cheaper to buy the stand. We'll see.

Just put together a stand for the 125. I borrowed it from here. I'm loving it so far, I just need a facade and to put the tank on it. If I do end up going with the Hamberger Mattenfilter over a canister, I won't need the space below to be fancy since it will be solely for storage.